These students started out wanting to build a bridge for other students to cross. Within one year they were physically building, brick by brick, a new secondary school building on a two-acre plot in Tanzania. The Santa Rosa Junior College Black Student Union raised close to $17,000 to travel there this past summer to help build this secondary school.

At the SRJC Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 8, the BSU gave members a short presentation of their recent trip. “We spent so many endless nights baking cupcakes until 2 a.m., said Elias Hinit, one of the five who made the trek. Joining Hinit were Mark Goitam, Angela Monique, Aurora Williams and Deborah McKracken.

Shortly after Goitam suggested starting another Black Student Union in the fall of 2012, McKracken told the group of the huge need for help with African schools.

After constant fundraising, including bake sales twice a week for five months, the group was in Nairobi and ready to cross the border to get to work. Within three weeks, the walls were up, the roof was complete and the group was ready to start on the interior. At the time of their departure one month later the school had two classrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

“I was so moved to see these students follow the philosophy of the college by building on a legacy of excellence,” said Dr. Brian Phifer, mentor, teacher and cornerstone of the newly formed student union.

The Board of Trustees also approved a new policy of a revised vision, mission and values statement by the SRJC Strategic Planning work group which focuses not only on student learning and development programs but also on environmental sustainability and social equity. In addition, the Board also heard the strategic planning of the district goals, which are as follows:

A) Support development of the whole student from early college awareness through successful completion of educational and career goals.
B) Foster learning and academic excellence by providing effective programs and services.
C) Serve our diverse communities and strengthen our connections through engagement, collaboration, partnerships, innovation and leadership.
D) Provide, enhance, integrate, and continuously improve facilities and technology to support learning and innovation.
E) Establish a culture of sustainability that promotes environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social equity.
F) Cultivate an inclusive and diverse organizational culture that promotes employee engagement, growth, and collegiality.
G) Pursue resource development and diversification while maintaining responsible fiscal practices and financial stability.
H) Continuously improve institutional effectiveness in support of our students, staff, and communities.